Characteristics of Organizational Behavior
Organizational behavior is the study of interactions of people in the organization and how their interactions have an effect on the organizational setting.
Here we will discuss about 15 common characteristics of organizational behavior (OB) where each characteristic helps you to understand how to manage and optimize human behavior in organizations.
Management Concept
Organizational Behavior (OB) involves using management principles to plan, organize, and motivate employees. This ensures that everyone is working towards common goals.
Good management aligns resources and talents, creating a harmonious and productive workplace. Management concept is the backbone that aligns all activities towards achieving success.
Future-Oriented
OB looks ahead to predict future trends and changes. Organizations that think about the future can adapt more easily to new challenges and opportunities, helping them stay competitive and innovative. By adopting a Future-Oriented approach, organizations can better navigate uncertainties and stay ahead.
Goal-Oriented
OB focuses on setting and achieving clear goals. When everyone knows what they are working towards, it helps align efforts and ensures that all actions contribute to the organization’s success. The goal orientation characteristic of OB ensures that efforts are directed towards clear objectives, making it easier to measure progress and success.
Multidisciplinary Approach
OB draws knowledge from various fields like psychology, sociology, anthropology, and economics. This blend of perspectives provides a richer understanding of human behavior in the workplace, helping to solve complex problems more effectively.
Multiple Levels of Analysis
OB studies behavior at the individual, group, and organizational levels. This means looking at how personal attitudes affect team dynamics and, in turn, how these teams influence the broader organizational culture.
Systematic Study
OB uses scientific methods to understand and predict human behavior. This involves collecting data, analyzing patterns, and making evidence-based decisions to improve workplace practices.
Situational Perspective
OB recognizes that behavior is influenced by the specific context or situation. Different settings can lead to different behaviors, so flexible and adaptable management practices are essential to address these variations.
Interdisciplinary Approach
Similar to being multidisciplinary, OB combines theories and methods from various fields to get a deeper understanding of workplace behavior. This approach helps in creating innovative solutions to organizational challenges.
Humanistic Orientation
OB emphasizes the importance of considering employees’ needs and well-being. This approach leads to a supportive work environment, where employees feel valued and motivated, resulting in higher job satisfaction and productivity.
Practical Application
OB is not just theoretical; it has real-world applications. Concepts from OB can be used to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and promote teamwork, which enhances overall organizational performance.
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Performance-Oriented
OB focuses on improving performance by understanding and influencing employee behavior. By identifying what drives productivity and efficiency, OB helps organizations achieve their goals more effectively.
Change Management
OB provides strategies for managing change within an organization. It looks at how people respond to change and offers ways to facilitate smooth transitions, ensuring that the organization remains resilient and competitive.
Ethical Perspective
OB incorporates ethics into decision-making and organizational practices. It promotes fairness, integrity, and respect, which helps build trust and accountability within the organization and with its stakeholders.
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Focus on Individuals, Groups, and Structures
OB looks at how individuals behave, how they work in groups, and how the overall structure of the organization affects these interactions. Understanding these relationships helps in creating a more cohesive and effective organization.
Continuous Process
OB is an ongoing process. It involves continuously studying and adapting to changes in human behavior, workplace dynamics, and external factors. This continuous improvement helps organizations stay relevant and effective in a changing environment.
Hence, these are the 10 characteristics/features of organizational behavior.
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Sujan Chaudhary is a BBA graduate. He loves to share his business knowledge with the rest of the world. While not writing, he will be found reading and exploring the world.